2006 Dodge Charger SXT 3.5

Summary:

Very cool idea for a car, but badly put together

Faults:

Engine went at 132K.

Better get acquainted with tie rods - they do not last long.

Headlights would go on/off by themselves - it took me a while to realize why motorists were giving me dirty looks.

Speedometer light bulb blew - need to replace entire cluster.

Transmission does not have a dipstick.

Google "pink thingy Charger" when the car does not move out of park.

Change the original lug nuts if not done yet - they are hollow and strip easily.

Everything else was general maintenance - alternator, battery, catalytic converters, etc.

General Comments:

Cool car that runs great when everything is in order.

It handled the snow well, and could sit 5 comfortably.

The cropped windshield/roof was annoying at traffic lights - but it gave it a cool look.

Good following on the Internet - lots of help available from fellow owners.

Poor resale value.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th August, 2016

21st Aug 2016, 03:11

What happened to the engine?

In reply to 21st Aug 2016, 03:11

23rd Aug 2016, 08:11

It's very common to have auto lights today. All of our cars have them. Currently 5 including our truck. Never get any dirty looks. Maybe because I look so good in them!

2006 Dodge Charger SXT 3.5 high output

Summary:

Great feeling to drive it!

Faults:

Struts, bushings and tie-rods, front end is weak.

General Comments:

The Charger is a head turner, has a pretty good ride, lots of power, lots of room for passengers, and good trunk space. Most aggressive looking front end ever in my opinion.

Interior is very plain, but I find the seats are comfortable, and passengers have no issues with the back seats.

Mechanically, front end issues are common, and be prepared for some costs there. This seems to be a common problem with many of the Dodge products built on this platform. The motor (3.5L high output) and tranny (5 speed auto) seem very solid, no issues here. I get about 24 MPG in the city, and have got up to 30 on a long drive to BC.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th April, 2012

2nd Aug 2015, 23:07

After owning a 2011, I understand why a 2006 Charger would be a head turner... amazing to see a 2006 where the owner can still afford to drive it! And it's even more impressive if the owner doesn't live in the cheapest apartment available in a 200 mile radius and have 3 roommates!

Okay, now in all seriousness, it was the best looking exterior of any car I've ever owned. I wish it wasn't a nightmare of constant issues (mostly electrical), and they put in a transmission that doesn't jolt you like something out of the 1970s every time it shifts, as well as a transmission that is better geared for the car, and thus would make the car accelerate smoothly; not this incredibly crappy Mercedes slushbox that's a leftover from the 1980s, back when your typical Mercedes had an output around 100 GP or 170 on their "performance" trims.

Also, I wish the interior could match the exterior.

2006 Dodge Charger R/T 5.7 Hemi

Summary:

I want to like this car, but it won't let me!

Faults:

Ah Dodge, why do you hate reliability so?

The driver's door hinge broke at 60,000km.

The driver's seat motor bushing sheared (repair means replacing the seat!!!).

Trunk light switch broke.

Front hub bearings.

Sway bar links, bushings.

Front fwd and rear control arms.

Inner/outer tie rods - just for fun, google the "famous lx clunk". $1000 in front end parts and it still rattles.

Chrysler cars feature the cheapest plastic interiors out of all the big three.

General Comments:

Well I really wanted to like this car, after having an Intrepid that went and went. I thought this would be even better. It's large, comfortable and very powerful with the Hemi. Truth is, there are very few cars this size, and in this price range that can offer this kind of performance.

Unfortunately the front suspension is overly complicated and cheaply built for such a heavy sedan. Be prepared to put some money into it. Most owners have replaced some of the front end by 100000km.

The interior looks nice, but starts creaking as soon as you're off the lot.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th November, 2011

12th Nov 2011, 09:20

If you did a bit of research online, you wouldn't have had to replace your entire seat. The dealer sells the whole assembly, but there are ways to get just the parts you need to swap out.

My Dad has an '06 Charger too, and he has replaced much of the front end on it. He really takes great care of his vehicles too, and doesn't drive them hard at all, so I was kind of surprised that things were failing so early on. He is a die hard "buy American" guy though, and I can't talk him into a better quality car. He even realizes that his is half Mercedes underneath, so it is kind of ridiculous. I am trying to get him to at least look at a Ford product, which is a major step in the right direction. I love driving the Charger, but I couldn't own one with all of the headaches.

In reply to 12th Nov 2011, 09:20

22nd Jul 2012, 19:19

The seat bushing that sheared is integral with the lower seat frame. It is installed during the stamping process of forming the frame. Yes, the seat motors and gearboxes, upper and lower cushions, as well as associated trim pieces and coverings, would not need to be replaced, but the $1300 cost for the seat frame structure from Chrysler, would lead me to believe that buying a good used one for much cheaper would be of better value. Hence the "replace the seat comment".

P.S. I am a mechanic - 20 years.

8th Sep 2015, 21:28

I also own a 2006 Dodge Charger, which looks good both outside and inside, but as one comment said it, be prepared to spend more on repairs. To my surprise, under 100,000 miles, the car already starts acting up.

The car got problems with the water pump - the engine overheats most time.

It has problems with shifting mechanisms - the speed shifting stick breaks down (which I have never experienced with any car).

It has transmission problems - which you have to consistently spend money to fix.

All these problems create another problem of gas consuming. I like my car so dearly, but it is just a "gold digger".